The current Lake Arenal has no always been as it is today.  The Lake on further inspection is actually a resevoir and was form in 1979 for the purpose of the Costa Rican Electricity Boards plan to build a hydro-elcetric plant.  This reservoir and the electricity it produces is estimated to power 60-70% of all of Costa Rica’s houses.

Before 1979 there was a town that sat in the middle of the now current Lake Arenal called ‘Arenal’.  The inhabitants of ‘Arenal’ where moved to the current Neuvo Arenal, meaning new Arenal and the old Arenal at the bottom of the lake is called Viejo Arenal.  It is said that when the Lake starts to dry up the steeple of the church can be seen.

The Lake today is a source of great fishing, kite surfing and wildlife as well as many Arenal Lake Hotels being located on its shores.

A suggested tour for the area is a sunset boat cruise so that you can explore the lake but also see the volcano as the sun sets in the background.